The government of the Indian state of Odisha is introducing a state-wide ban on the manufacture, sale and use of guthka and chewing tobacco containing nicotine, according to an Indian Express story.

In announcing the ban, the Health and Family Welfare Minister, Damodar Rout, said the Supreme Court and different high courts had earlier directed the states to introduce such a ban because the nicotine-containing chewing masalas triggered diseases such as cancer.

“I appeal to people to co-operate with the state government to make Odisha a tobacco-free state,” Rout said.

However, he added that the government had not so far taken any decision on the use of cigarettes, though smoking in public places was banned.